Workers’ comp for contractors is priced per $100 of payroll under trade-specific codes — plumbing, electrical, carpentry, landscaping (0042), excavation and more each carry their own rate. rates span a wide range by trade — finish carpentry prices very differently than roofing or excavation — but your state, carrier, and experience mod move the number substantially. Get multiple quotes within minutes to see your real rate.

What drives the cost

In this industry, height work, heavy equipment, and jobsite exposure make contracting the highest-rated mainstream group; subcontractor certificates and payroll splits between trades decide the audit. Layer on your experience mod — the multiplier your claims history earns — and two identical payrolls can pay very different premiums.

How to pay less

• Verify class codes — see 0042 and its trade siblings — and carve out payroll that qualifies for lower-rated classes
• Consider pay-as-you-go billing so premium tracks actual payroll instead of estimates
• Document safety practices — they pay off at renewal and in your mod
• Compare carriers — appetite for this industry varies more than owners expect

The full insurance picture

Workers’ comp is one piece — for the complete package (liability, property, and the rest), our sister site USContractorInsure.com handles this industry end to end. And see our dedicated guide: workers’ comp for contractors.

Frequently asked questions

What class code applies to contractors?

Typically trade-specific codes — plumbing, electrical, carpentry, landscaping (0042), excavation and more each carry their own rate. Classification accuracy is the single biggest controllable factor in what you pay.

Can I lower my premium mid-term?

Sometimes — misclassifications can be corrected, and pay-as-you-go conversion helps cash flow immediately. The bigger savings usually come at renewal with a multi-carrier remarket.

Want your actual number? Get multiple quotes within minutes.